Price Guide for 1971 Nickel Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $216.00 – $345.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $159.00
-
eBayCirculated: $1.25 – $31.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $1,099.99
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $80.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,000.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $8,100.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $1,250.00 – $3,205.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $950.00 – $4,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $863.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $0.95 – $450.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $450.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $51.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $92.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $10.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $940.00 – $1,093.00Uncirculated: $523.00 – $2,070.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $2.25 – $4,050.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $825.00 – $1,850.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $250.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $1,553.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $2.25 – $461.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $215.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $2,160.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $1.28 – $5,560.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $5,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $60.00
-
eBayCirculated: $4.25Uncirculated: $0.99 – $1,678.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $36.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 – $161.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $0.01 – $90.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $14.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $807.23 – $891.25Uncirculated: $734.38 – $4,313.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $20.00 – $1,999.99
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $850.00 – $2,150.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,120.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $1,009.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,080.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,760.00 – $3,120.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $1,225.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $137.50
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $40.00 – $475.00
Design and Specifications of the 1971 Nickel
The 1971 Jefferson Nickel continued the long-standing design introduced in 1938. This year marked the beginning of a new era for U.S. coinage, as it was the first year after the Coinage Act of 1965 fully took effect, which removed silver from dimes and quarters and reduced it in half dollars.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D, S |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Thomas Jefferson facing left, designed by Felix Schlag |
| Reverse Design | Monticello, Jefferson's home, designed by Felix Schlag |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1971 Nickels. While circulated examples are generally worth face value, uncirculated coins can command a premium. Coins in MS65 and above are particularly desirable, with sharply struck examples being more valuable due to the tendency of Jefferson Nickels to have weak strikes.
Full Steps examples, where the steps of Monticello on the reverse are fully visible, are highly prized and can significantly increase the coin’s value. Luster and absence of contact marks are also important factors in determining grade and value.
Mintage: 106,884,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to date and mint mark collectors
Mintage: 316,144,800
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to date and mint mark collectors
Mintage: 3,220,733
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR68, scarce in PR69 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among proof set collectors
Toning can add to the appeal and value of 1971 Nickels, particularly for proof issues. Coins with attractive, natural toning patterns are often more desirable to collectors.
While not particularly rare, 1971 Nickels in superb gem condition (MS67 and above for circulation strikes, PR69 and PR70 for proofs) can command significant premiums. This is due to the difficulty in finding examples with minimal contact marks and strong strikes.
For collectors and investors, focus on high-grade examples, particularly those with Full Steps, as these are likely to appreciate more over time due to their scarcity and collector demand.
